The Sixth Window by Rachel Abbott

Half of this book seems to contain two storylines: one about a widow and her daughter and the widow's new man, the other a police procedural about the investigation into the death of a teenage girl. Eventually the two stories are tied together.

This is a fast-paced book, with the intricate relationship of the widow and her daughter a well-drawn and tense story. The 'sixth window' adds a mystery element, which is captivating throughout even after it is revealed. Loved this part. The story is very well plotted with acute relationship details. The uncomfortable methods of child grooming leading to abuse is sensitively done. The theme of trust runs throughout so that sympathy switches from one character to another and keeps the reader's head in a spin.

This fast action, complete with twists, doesn't really lend itself to the various points of view that keep swapping within the chapter. Or perhaps it does and the confusion adds to the tension, but I wasn't that keen. At the conclusion of the book, the trust issue tantalises again - very clever. However, the final revelation of the main antagonist is a tad too far-fetched when taking into account all that goes with it. But this is a great read and definitely a top thriller.

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Published by Black Dot Publishing on 21 February 2017.